Known for being a basketball powerhouse, Villanova University has developed an equally impressive reputation for academics. Villanova is just 12 miles west of Philadelphia, the fifth-largest city in the US and the second-largest on the East Coast. The school’s admissions standards have continued to rise, and there is a “great support system” in place to help students achieve, between professors, advisors, tutors, research librarians, as well as a writing, math, and language learning center. Nova’s career center and internship offices focus on getting students into jobs after college, and “the opportunities outside of the classroom really complement your education.”

There is a real sense of community here, “stemming from service, school spirit around the basketball team, and everyone actively pursuing their own area of academic interest.” The “passionate” professors are “true teachers and scholars,” and they “go above and beyond their office hours.” They are “easily accessible,” and though some will seek you out, “it is mostly up to you to take advantage of them as a resource.” “If you want to succeed, the community will do everything in its power to make sure you can do so,” says a student. In addition to superior classroom quality (the faculty gets “fired up about what they teach”), there are “a lot of projects across majors that have real-world applications. Classes are often a mixture of “lecture, discussion, individual/group projects, [and] fieldtrips.” Villanova’s “emphasis on service” is a point of praise for the student body, and everyone here embraces a sense of duty to make the world a better place. “We are the Nova Nation, built upon an unbreakable foundation of community,” says a student.

Almost everyone is involved in at least one extracurricular activity and club, and “a ton of students get involved with intramurals or club sports teams, as well.” For those who want to take a break from college life, the massive King of Prussia Mall is found nearby (with a free weekend shuttle), and it is “an easy short train ride to go to Philadelphia.” Philadelphia offers something for everyone: a world-class art museum, many historic sites, a great restaurant scene, performing arts and a wide spectrum of colorful neighborhoods and scenic walks. And if you are a sports fan, grab tickets to see a Phillies, Eagles, Sixers or Flyers game. For a complete list of events and activities visit Around Philly.

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These college profiles are adapted from The Princeton Review's Best 379 Colleges Guide. This guide provides narrative descriptions of schools' academics, student body, and campus life, in addition to other general information. To view these details, you must create a free Princeton Review account.